Coach Kay Yow said in a statement released Tuesday by North Carolina State that she would not return to the women's basketball team this season because of health issues related to her battle with cancer.
Yow, 66, was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1987. The Hall of Fame coach said she doesn't have the energy to coach the way she always has and added she will revisit the decision no later than the end of the season. Her contract runs through the 2011-12 season.
"Stepping away from coaching is one of the hardest decisions I have had to make, but I have great confidence in the experienced staff I have been working with for such a long time and the character of everyone involved in the program to respond positively to my decision," Yow said.
Associate head coach Stephanie Glance has led the program in Yow's absence and will continue as interim coach. The Wolfpack is 8-7.
Yow ranks as one of the sport's most successful coaches with 737 victories in 38 years. She coached the U.S. Olympic women's team to the gold medal in 1988 and earned four Atlantic Coast Conference tournament championships, 20 NCAA tournament bids and an appearance in the 1998 Final Four during her 34 years at North Carolina State.
UCLA freshman guard Malcolm Lee completed 35 minutes of running and shooting drills in his first workout since suffering a left knee injury during practice late last month, a team spokesman said. Lee felt fine after the individual practice and was set to be evaluated today.
-- David Wharton
JURISPRUDENCE
Pitcher sues NCAA
Attorneys for Oklahoma State pitcher Andrew Oliver have filed a lawsuit in a northern Ohio court challenging the NCAA and its rules governing agents.
Oliver was ruled ineligible by the NCAA hours before he was to play in a tournament game last spring. The NCAA claimed Oliver's advisors had listened in on contract negotiations after he was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in June 2006.
The NCAA prohibits players' advisors from contacting professional teams.
Oliver's attorneys argue that the NCAA shouldn't restrict a player's right to have legal help when negotiating a professional contract.
The NCAA has told Oliver he must sit out 70% of the Cowboys' games this season, but he is hoping to be fully reinstated and receive an apology from the NCAA along with monetary damages.
BASEBALL
Romero, Mitre suspended
